HE HAS already lured Israel Folau to the dark side, so the sight of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans at Canberra Raiders training would normally incite panic at NRL HQ.

But Green Machine fans can rest easy. Deans wasn't in town to cast his eye over the likes of Josh Dugan, but to meet Raiders coach David Furner, who shares his love of cross-code pollenisation. Both men have been subjected to intense pressure and criticism in recent years, with their respective sides enduring horror losing streaks at times.

What they also have in common is a passion for picking the brains of coaches in other sports, always striving for that decisive edge.

Last Monday, Furner visited AFL premiers Sydney, where he picked up valuable tips on rehabilitation and recovery procedures. He also visited the London headquarters of Red Bull formula one ace Mark Webber in 2011, and hopes to organise a meeting with Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson when he heads to England with the Kangaroos for the World Cup in November.

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Recently he addressed players from WNBL side Canberra Capitals during their nine-game losing streak, advising how to emerge from that slump. Deans has chewed the fat with rugby league coaches Royce Simmons and Tim Sheens, and forged a strong bond with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary when Cleary was with the Warriors and Deans at the Crusaders.

During last year's spring tour, Deans also enjoyed a coffee with Martin O'Neill, the manager of English Premier League side Sunderland.

''It helps you become a better coach. If you lay idle, that's when you're going to be left behind,'' Furner said on Thursday.

''If you pick up one thing, it's successful. Opportunities to visit different codes or sports and see how they go about things is great. You have to look at every angle you can, everyone's looking for that edge.''

Furner didn't go into specifics about his conversation with Deans, but said it was a general chat about what lessons they could learn from each other's training methods. ''He was catching up with a few people [in Canberra] and saw the opportunity [to watch a training session]. We just talked about when the Wallabies start and where they're at,'' Furner said.

''Just a general chat, talking about how their game has changed, and the limited preparation they have for the British and Irish Lions tour. It was just good to talk with Robbie … he's pretty experienced.''